The papers of William Edward Carty, Representative in the Washington State Legislature from Clark County, were given to the Washington State University Library in 1964 by Mr. Carty's son, James E. Carty, Attorney, living and practising law in Woodland. They were processed by Elaine G. White between September 1966 and September 1967.

Number of containers: 51
Linear feet of shelf space occupied: 22
Approximate number of items: 14,500

The literary rights in the unpublished writings of Mr. Carty in these papers have been dedicated to the public.

Mr. Carty was active in the Washington State Legislature for a period covering 22 years. During that time he was Chairman of the Dairy and Livestock Committee, Agriculture Committee, and State Government Committee. He also served on the Horticulture, Revenue
and Taxation, State Institutions, Veterans' Affairs, Legislative Budget, and interim committees.

Careful examination of the collection discloses an honest and practical man. He was equally concerned in dealing fairly and openly with the public and with his colleagues in the Legislature. This can be seen in his response to letters received from the public. He made his stand clear on all issues, using warm, precise prose that was at the same time personal and true to himself.

Mr. Carty also appears to have been a confidant to whom legislators, organizations, and the "common man" could turn. He was apt at "getting things done" and was loath to be put into
any position that would cause him to break an agreement or a promise.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PAPERS

Series 1. The bulk of the collection consists of in-coming and out-going correspondence concerning legislation before the Washington State Legislature, 1933-1959. Miscellaneous materials prior to this period of Mr. Carty's greatest activity and following it, are also included.

The correspondence comes from Mr. Carty's contemporaries in the State Legislature as well as from the public at large, and gives a view of the attitudes toward the issues of the time.
Office memoranda and sundry mementoes such as invitations, programs and ticket stubs have been retained and are interesting in juxtaposition with the issues and activities of the Legislature.

There are numerous committee reports. Most extensive among these are reports of the Washington State Legislative Council and the Legislative Budget Committee.

Series 2. This grouping consists of Legislative Digests containing House Bills and reports, 1945-1961, and is the only portion of the collection not included in the Index.

ARRANGEMENT OF THE PAPERS

The papers fall into a natural chronological order, month by month, year by year. This permits easy access to any given period. For example, it is possible to view the problems of World War II at the State level or the post war difficulties caused by the suddenly increased population of the State of Washington and the influx of veterans seeking employment. Specific political campaigns and legislative sessions, or the growth of problems connected with education or State finances on a year by year basis are easily found by this arrangement.

When the bulk of the papers were concentrated on a particular subject, the subject was separated from its chronological order and placed into separate folders. For example, "Un-American Activities, 1949" or "Education, January, 1951" are folders containing all papers concerning these subjects for these years. Miscellaneous papers were also separated, dated as accurately as possible, and placed in separate folders.

An extensive subject index is included. The index may be used to accurately locate persons, places, things, and events. All entries refer to folder numbers where the searcher will find the material. Folders are arranged in numbered containers.